Marion R. Sternitske

Marion Ruth Sternitske, 84, died February 3rd, 2024, at ThedaCare Hospital in Neenah after a brief illness.

Born February 14th, 1939 in the town of Poygan to the late Henry and Francis (Langman) Gebauer. 

Growing up on the family farm she was accustomed to helping there including milking cows by hand before attending school. While attending Winneconne High School she helped the cooks prepare the noon meal. She never lost her love of cooking and enjoyed having the family home for some of her great meals.

While at a Valentine’s party she met Gareth Sternitske. It wasn’t long before they began dating. In 1957 they were married at St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church in Winneconne.

Marion loved to do many things. At one time she had her own motorcycle, drove powder puff derby at Leo’s Speedway, and was a great bowler for many years and was something she loved very much. She was even on TV for local tournaments. Her work for the Winnebago Conservation Club earned her the Woman of the Year Award. While living in San Francisco because her husband was stationed there in the Army, she learned to love that city. Returning home to Oshkosh they moved to the town of Vinland where she could display her skill at gardening. She loved to grow the biggest tomatoes and lots of slicer cukes to share with her family and friends.

She is survived by her husband of 66 years, W. Gareth Sternitske, her daughters Gail Schneider, and Sherri (Darryel) Tirpe, son Brian (Julie) Sternitske, grandson Greg Blair; grandchildren Gwen (Chris) Marcellis, Gareth (Ashley) Schneider, Colton Tirpe as well as 8 great grandchildren. She is further survived by her sister Glorianna Zimmerman; her brother William (Jonell) Gebauer, and brother-in-law Darrnell Canfield, along with a number of nieces and nephews.

Preceded in her death by her parents, an infant brother, brother and sister-in-law Henry F. and Jeanette Gebauer, brother-in-law Donald Zimmerman, and sister-in-law Sherrill Canfield.

In lieu of flowers she expressed her wishes to give any memorials to the town of Vinland First Responders.

There will be a private celebration of her life at a later time.